I have the phone set to 1xEV and I see 3G with the BB logo so all is well. I guess I am not too surprised that the data flow is like the old AT&T before 3G, where voice and data can't go at the same time. Is that how it should be?

Is this the same whether I have 1xEV selected or GSM/UTMS? That is, do any of the Verizon phones allow you voice and data at the same time? This is a real drag since I travel and often talk on the phone while I navigate with GPS on the phone.

Yes, when they launch LTE. Rumored by the end of the year. Should have devices out by early next year. Your 9650 won't be able to use the LTE network.

__________________The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.When you take things for granted, the things you are granted, get taken. Even a mosquito doesn't get a pat on the back until it starts to work.Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.[BES 5.0.3 / GroupWise 2012 HP2]

Yup - I travel a lot and use my GPS on the phone with turn by turn directions... if you get on a call, you can get lost. My wife always seems to call me when I am about to make a critical turn....

The other problem is no email or text messages while on the phone.

I rejoiced when I upgraded from an old 8820 to the 3G Curve with AT&T! This is a sad moment to go back in time. On the other hand, just GETTING a signal with Verizon is more important than simultaneous data and voice for now, I guess.

Simultaneous voice and data was a useful feature for me when I was with AT&T. I could receive emails from folks while I was talking to them on the phone, open an attachment, and discuss it with them.

The downside was AT&T's network, particularly data speeds. Now that I'm with Sprint I occasionally miss getting emails while on phone calls, but it's only a minor annoyance. Looks like I'll be buying yet another BB when when one comes out to support WiMax or LTE, whatever Sprint finally settles on. Current BlackBerrys won't support LTE when Verizon launches it.